A Vegan Diet Cannot Save Our Planet Analysis

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A Vegan Diet Cannot Save Our Planet
In the article, “I’m sick of hearing lies about vegan diets- I’m raising my child vegan because I have her best interests at heart”, Jimmy Pierson argues that a vegan diet is necessary for humans and the planet. On the contrary, I argue that a vegan diet is not a healthy necessity for humans and the planet. The vegan diet does not provide the necessary micronutrients that a non-vegan person receives. In addition, by not providing the nutrients from animal by-products, the vegan diet neglects the promotion of proper growth development in the early stages of life which can increase the risk of chronic diseases. Furthermore, a meat-based diet does not drastically effect climate change, instead, it is necessary for the future in order for us to survive and sustain on this earth. Pierson (2017), the UK Director of ProVeg, states in his article that following a vegan diet is highly necessary for the future. He supports his idea of veganism by opposing diets that consist of animal products, which cause climate change and contain carcinogens that affect a human being (Pierson, 2017). Pierson recommends humans need a vegan diet because it gives us everything we need nutritionally. He mentions that he is a father of a child who has been vegan since birth. The nutrients given from a vegan diet is supported through supplements enriched with vitamins which “gives children the best start in life, for their physical health and emotional wellbeing” (Pierson, 2017). Also, he states that we should not be harming animals which can cause climate change. The objective is to reduce global animal consumption. The first argument Pierson makes is how a vegan diet contains everything we need nutritionally and gives children the very best start in life, for their physical and emotional wellbeing. He claims that it provides all the essential nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, calcium and even through supplements it gives the necessary vitamins for a vegan (Pierson, 2017). The evidence is shown through one of the vitamins such as vitamin B-12, which is important for a breastfeeding mother and a child, can easily be supplemented or found in vegan foods enriched by the vitamin (Pierson, 2017). It is unpersuasive reasoning because he is convincing the reader based on his personal feelings, rather than providing evidence. It is shown through the use of appeal to emotion, which explains why he does not give any research about the nutrients provided in a vegan diet. Secondly, Pierson mentions how processed meat is a recognized carcinogen and by avoiding animal products we are able to live a healthy life. He claims that eating processed meat causes cancer. The evidence is shown through many organizations across the world specifically “sensible, independent organisations” such as the World Health Organisation that classifies processed meat as a carcinogenic in the same category as tobacco. “Let’s focus our attention on the foods that are genuinely killing us, like sausages and bacon” (Pierson, 2017). In this statement, the author
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Biesalski (2005) provides reasons why meat is an important source of nutrients for our body. He claims that meat is important for micronutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamins A and B12, that are needed for normal function of the immune system, the mucous membranes and general metabolism of substrates. As evidence, Biesalski states that meat is a “protein rich and carbohydrate “low” product contributes to a low glycemic index which is assumed to be “beneficial”” (Biesalki, 2005, p.510). Groff & Grooper states that “the primary dietary sources of zinc are red meat, sea food, poultry, grains, dairy, legumes and vegetables” (as cited in Biesalki, 2005, p.515). An optimum zinc intake is recommended for the proper function of the immune system. The two important micronutrients, vitamins A and B12 only occur in meat, and both cannot be compensated for by plant-derived supplements. Andersson et al, Boelsma, Hendriks, & Roza mentions that “the use of dietary supplements often does not meet the recommended intake of vitamin B12” (as cited in Biesalki, 2005, p.516). To improve wellbeing of an individual, “a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, including meat and meat products in moderate quantities, normal body weight and a reasonable amount of exercise represent the best choice” (Biesalki, 2005,

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